Z TIPS: From Jim Whorton (Wichita, KS), VDO editor author, comes an alias to
create flavors of VDO, Version 2.5a, having different defaults. Using POKE&GO
technique suggested by Bruce Morgen (Warminster, PA), two or more versions of
editor are available with single copy on disk! See Z-News 107 and 109 for
WordStar pokes. Alias, call it VDN, in sample command line: VDN [fn.ft]<cr>.
Command elements of alias:
1 --> GET 100 A0:VDO.COM |Load VDO.COM into memory from declared drive
2 --> POKE 1B17 03; |Set help level, 01=expert, 02=regular, 03=novice
3 --> POKE 1A5C 00; |Set insert toggle, 00=OFF, 80=ON
4 --> GO $1 |Run VDO with any supplied arguments
Jim finishes a version of VDO that uses ZCPR3 Environment Descriptor (SYS.ENV,
Z3.ENV, and ZC.ENV) for terminal and system definition. Hope he includes DU
and DIR directory reference forms, as well as knowledge of system environment.
Coding with VLIB, Z3LIB, and SYSLIB subroutines makes these additions easy.
We welcome his fast, memory-oriented editor as a proper Z-System utility.
Jay Sage's VALIAS is big hit--breaks alias-creation/modification bottle-
neck! Jay's program permits changing, or adding, individual commands without
retyping the whole alias. And it's screen oriented with built-in, in-context
help--so easy to use. Rumor has it that Bruce Morgen is tightening the code
using ZAS and full Z-80 mnemonics. Meanwhile, Richard Conn's MKALIAS takes a
different but just as fruitful path. More about it as it matures. Can't wait
to release both alias utilities!
During the same period, Richard has produced a virtual cornucopia of new
Z-System programs and updates. Look for just-out LRUN, LDIR, LHELP library
utilities using automatic unsqueeze techniques, updates to XD, CRC, DIFF, and
more. Also a new set of routines, LULIB, is being added to REL library trio
SYSLIB, Z3LIB, and VLIB. Find foursome source code on some Z-Nodes!
Simultaneously, he finished new SYSLIB, Version 3.3, offering many
additional routines. Stimulated by suggestions from Don Delwood (Columbia,
MO), quick Richard developed eighteen (18) computed-GOTO and CASE routines.
While at it, he added a Unix-style (ARGV) string parser and several arithmetic
IF routines. New routines in Version 3.2 and 3.3 greatly assisted in writing
Term3. SYSLIB grows in strength, more to come (Richard still has "libraries"
checked-out)!
On subject of libraries, Martin Murray (Austin, TX), author of NULU super
library file manager, is said to be making his program a full ZCPR3 utility--
hurray!
Be sure to get and try Paul Pomerleau's new VERROR handler. Has built-in
WordStar-like editor to alter unexecutable commands on the spot. Similar to
ERROR23, but with different taste.
So many new utilities support Z-System! It's worthwhile to read what
Richard Conn had to say about creating utilities, "I encourage everyone to
enjoy their ZCPR3 system, write tools for it, and contribute them to the user
community." Read his full commentary in 12 November 1984 Newsletter 009, on
page 4.
Z-Node Activity: Three new nodes started operation during fortnight. Chicago
suburb (Lisle) Sysop, Ron Stone, Node #5, has 40-megabytes online. Such
capacity shares call-traffic with Node #15, Richard Jacobson, in greater Windy
City area. Contact Ron (and Z-Msg) by dialing 312/420-1722. Richard's number
remains 312/649-1730.
Z-Node #28 Sysop, Stanley London, informs us he is up and running in
Aurora (Denver), CO. His mile-high number is 303/680-9825.
Welcome! Marvin Eyre, Z-Node #37 Sysop, is up...plans to expand soon to
hard disk operation. Call his Robards, KY, node at 502/521-7011.
You asked for it! You now have it--a compiled list of current Z-Nodes
(file Z-NODES.LST)! Sysop name, city, state, zip code, and telephone number
will be kept up-to-date. As RAS (remote access system, more accurate and
descriptive than BBS expression; a Z-Node is a RAS) changes occur, we'll
update in timely fashion. You help by leaving message if you see inaccuracies
in file.
Also don't forget, especially if you use Tandy machines, Jon Schneider in
El Paso, TX. Jon joins Richard Peterson (The Pass Sysop) to handle traffic in
southwest Texas area. His number is 915/592-4976; Richard's, 915/821-3638.
Notice to DISCAT Owners: We found and fixed output-to-printer bug in CATSCAN.
If you return your original, disk we update free! This we feel we owe you;
it's not an upgrade, simply a fix.
Amateur Z User's Corner: New comers to computers expect much more than
received, at least on-surface, from their systems. Most want instant
productivity increase, gratification, to learn little from potential perpetual
experience. Let it be proclaimed: gratification comes from personal
accomplishment through work--work that changes, adds to your Being.
Frustration over-come gracefully develops extended character, a character
tender as a Lotus, tough as a stone. Happiness is path followed, not
destination to arrive at! It comes from each achievement being perceived as
higher (greater, of more importance) than any previous. So, when things don't
go as planned, computer acts against your intentions, relax--study again
available material--try again. From such efforts we learn what we don't know,
what we are, how computer works, how we fit in! Z-System users are destined
to be golden boys and girls of this marvelous decade.
We wait for early Spring (of Life), when flowers bloom and robins sing!
Now, disk drives and their number. A one-disk system is not easy to use
because of difficulty making backups. There are single-drive copy programs
that make operations as convenient as possible, but still process is time
consuming and distracting. A two-drive system has been standard with most
desktop computers. Here, disk swapping is greatly reduced, but still much
removing of system disk (boot disk) with data disks occurs. The ideal
minimum for maximum ease of use is three (3)! Drive A contains system
utilities and often-used application programs; Drive B holds working data disk
with Drive C used for automatic Drive B backup.
More than three drives (logical and physical) simply are needed as
storage requirements increase, otherwise making number of files per directory
too large (Z supports 32 directories per logical drive). We personally prefer
less than 100 entries per user area (directory, DU or DIR reference). VFILER
handles up to 72 files per screen display; more than 144 on a directory slows
down operations having to switch through three or more screens to cover all
files.
Notice the situation represented by menus of MENU.LBR (128k-byte file on
Z-Nodes). AC of ZRDOS archives certain files after they chance without
operator concern. Of course, Drives A and B are normally logicals of single
physical hard disk; and C, high-capacity (greater than 360k-byte) floppy.
From Steven Hirsch (Burlington, VT): those needing help in understanding
aspects of ZCPR3 and Z-System should feel free to contact one of our good-
neighbor helpers. These volunteers are listed in file Z-HELPR8.BBS on Z-Nodes.
All are ready to assist pushing you over some hurdle. Steven is an Apple and
Z3 expert. His number is 802/658-4793. Try him (and Doug Thom or Kevin
McDonald, both Apple experts, at 408/253-1306 and new 408/462-3731,
respectively) and other good-neighbor helpers before calling us! They want
your calls and letters.
Software Bug Reporting: We request that our "Software Update Form" be used
for all bug reporting plus suggestions relative to products or services. We
simply cannot efficiently comprehend from verbal inputs your requests. The
form suggests the information we need to act on your problems and enhancement
suggestions. Please!
One More Time: ZCPR3 and ZRDOS programs (Z-System) are not public
domain...copyrighted by Richard Conn and Dennis Wright, assigned to Echelon.
While we welcome users enhancing ZCPR3 programs (we fix ZRDOS), we are final
authority as to acceptability of changes. Procedure for updating: 1) from Z-
Node Central (either from direct chat with David McCord or with posted
message) obtain permission to work on file, 2) then obtain latest version of
program from official area (ZCPR3) of Z-Node Central, and 3) finally, return
your updated version within agreed upon period of time, or determine if
extension is possible. So much extra work has been caused by some few who
have used other than latest versions, or didn't check file out first. Only
one version may be active at once! If your ideas deserve a new name for a
program then proceed that way. Understand Echelon supports these programs
with OEM's and VAR's (without which we cannot be in business) and must
maintain absolute control. So be it!
From Page One of ZCPR3:_The_Manual: "In the development of our understanding
of complex phenomena, the most powerful tool available to the human intellect
is abstraction. Abstraction arises from a recognition of similarities between
certain objects, situations, or processes in the real world, and the decision
to concentrate on these similarities, and to ignore for the time being the
differences."
In addition to explaining over 90 commands, both resident and utility,
manual has individual chapters covering online HELP, MENU and VMENU, Shells,
VFILER, and DU3. Using ZEX is make clear as well as how to use the four error
handlers. Also packed with details on how to install and use Z3...get your
personal copy now! Still only $19.95, plus shipping and handling. We offer a
25% discount to those buying 5-49, 33% for 50-249, and 40% over 249. Shipping
from stock! Call 415/948-3820 to order with Visa or Mastercard, or for UPS-
COD.
Paradox? Farsightedness and living in the-now go together, is not
paradoxical. Planning is a now (present) function. Using what's available
presently (created by past thoughts and doings) produces future environment.
Detroit auto-industry started with fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines to
power their cars, moved to V-8's, and now has returned to four's. Are you
going along with crowds and popular movements? Are you learning, becoming
what you could be? Are you creating your efficient environment in spite of
contrary trends? (Tried California white Zinfandel?) When will resource-
conserving 8-bit systems using assembly language coding gain popularity?
IT'S_UP_TO_YOU! Turbo-four or V-8, the same job gets done; but, one is
substantially more efficient, less brutish, more sapient. Homo sapiens,
become thrice sapient! See you down the lines...
Echelon, Inc.
101 First Street
Los Altos, CA 94022
Telephone: 415/948-3820
Z-Node Central: 415/489-9005
Z-News 301 is Copyright 1985 Echelon, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Permission
to reprint, wholly or partially, automatically granted if source credit is
given to Echelon.
